URGENT STORM UPDATE

(2/9/2013) Last night at 2:30 am, the National Guard joined the City of New Haven’s storm clean up efforts due to the extremely dangerous conditions created by the storm. The storm dropped 34 inches of snow in New Haven, which accumulated at an extremely rapid pace, making it nearly impossible to keep main arterial roads clear. Clearing the roads around hospitals, and then main roads, are the City’s priority at this time.

Mayor John DeStefano, Jr., who was in Ireland at a conference, stopped all planned activities yesterday in order to get back to New Haven. Until airports re-open, he is working remotely, directing and monitoring the storm clean up in New Haven to ensure that all residents stay safe. He has issued the following urgent message for New Haven residents:

• Stay home and stay off the roads until further notice. Drivers found on the streets will be stopped and challenged by the New Haven Police Department.

• The Parking Bans that were set to expire at 9 am today will remain in effect until further notice. This includes the parking ban downtown, and the order for the rest of the city to park on the even side of the street.

• Clear any snow from exterior vents without climbing to prevent CO build-up within your home.

The City of New Haven, joined by the National Guard, will continue to work around the clock until storm clean up is complete. It is reasonable to not expect your street to be completely cleared for a couple days.

As residents begin to dig out, we ask that residents please remember to:

• Clear snow from fire hydrants located near your property

• If your sidewalk includes a curb ramp (at a street intersection), please shovel that so the sidewalk is passable for wheelchair use